It was once again time for the Legion Riders 10th District’s annual chili cook-off fundraiser, hosted this year at the Clearwater Legion. The public was invited to come in, eat some chili, and vote for their favorite.

Entries from Clearwater, Maple Lake, and Hopkins were lined up by 12 p.m. when the event opened for taste testing and voting. Two entries from each organization were allowed in the competition, and there were extra chilis waiting for the all-you-can-eat portion of the event that took place after voting ended.

Once votes were tabulated, Clearwater’s Gary Grant took home first place, second place went to Hopkin’s Matt Berens, and third to Maple Lake’s Clay Erlandson.

Along with bragging rights, the chili cook-off started as a way for the Legion Riders from different organizations to get to know one another. The winner of the event each year receives a traveling trophy and hosts the next year’s event at their legion.

Proceeds raised from the chili cook-offs go to better the lives of local veterans.